Boston Revolts!

This is the ninth book in The American Adventure series. This series tells about the lives of children from many generations of a fictional family throughout American history, from the settling of Plymouth by the Pilgrims through the end of World War II. Boston in the year 1765 is a city filled with whispers of rebellion. Twelve-year-old Kathleen Lankford is worried. New taxation laws caused by the British have already changed life for the Lankfords and their relatives and friends, and food is scarce. Kathleen is especially afraid for her fourteen-year-old brother, William, who has joined the Sons of Liberty. Patriots are rioting in the streets and attacking British soldiers to protest the unfair tax laws, and Kathleen fears that William will be injured, or even killed. While one of her uncles supports the Patriots and another supports the Loyalists, Kathleen's parents struggle to stay neutral, but Kathleen is still afraid. All she wants is for life to be peaceful again, but she fears that will never happen. This book brings to life the history of pre-Revolutionary War Boston. The characters could be a bit better developed, but it's still an enjoyable read. Young readers who have read previous books in the American Adventure series, or who enjoy historical fiction about colonial times, are sure to enjoy this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I would recommend this book to any elementary history teacher for the classroom or any parent who has a child who says history is boring. This book brings you into the lives and feelings of the Lankford family during the turbulent times in Boston during the Stamp Act Riots. It focuses on Kathleen and her brother Will, who is an ardent Patriot. Kathleen, however is torn between following the Patriot cause and doing what is right, such as helping a wounded British soldier. The story shows how the violence of the time inflenced the actions of many innocent people and also shows that the issues of independance and liberty are not always black and white but have many shades of gray. A very good book, a must read for any child or adult interested in colonial times.